Rugby Town skipper Alex Gudger has signed a new one-year deal at Butlin Road.

The 22-year-old centre-half, recruited from Nuneaton Town two years ago, follows Niall Cooper and Seb Lake-Gaskin in committing himself to Valley who narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier Division of the Calor Southern League.

Dave Stringer’s men will be competing against country rivals Bedworth United this time round – the Greenbacks reassigned after one season in Evo-Stik Division One South when the resignation of Workshop Town affected the geographical balance.

Former Bedworth and Hinckley United boss Dean Thomas, meanwhile, has left Division One Central rivals Kettering Town a month after they were foiled 3-2 by Slough in the play-off final.

Thomas confirmed that he was no longer able to combine the job with his business commitments.

Leamington manager Paul Holleran has announced a fourth new arrival in former Coventry Sphinx and Barwell player Jack Edwards who can operate in defence or midfield.

“Jack is a young versatile player who we’ve monitored for a while now,” said the Brakes boss. “We’re delighted to get him on board. He’s a local lad as well and will be a good addition to the squad.’

Edwards joins two other players,Danny Newton and Neil Collett, who have moved from Barwell to Leamington.